Elsie's Kith and Kin eBook

“He only expressed such a hope: he didn’t
say certainly,” sobbed Zoe. “And
when people are in danger, doctors always try to hide
it from their friends.”

“Arthur is perfectly truthful,” asserted
Ella, with some warmth. “He may keep his
opinions to himself at times, but he never builds people
up with false hopes. So cheer up, coz,”
she added, squeezing Zoe’s hand affectionately.

“I know that what you say of cousin Arthur is
all true,” sobbed Zoe; “but I could see
he had fears as well as hopes: and—­and—­Ned
doesn’t seem a bit like himself; he has such
a dazed look, as if not quite in his right mind.”

“But he knew you and Art; and it is to be expected
that a man would feel dazed after such a shock as
he must have had.”

“Yes, of course. Oh, I’m afraid he’s
dreadfully, dreadfully hurt, and will never get over
it!”

“Still,” returned Ella, “try to
hope for the best. Don’t you think that
is the wiser plan always?”

“I suppose so,” said Zoe, laughing and
crying hysterically; “but I can’t be wise
to-night; indeed, I never can.”

CHAPTER VI.

Christine and Aunt Phillis, who had been left in charge
of Miss Deane, had had a sore trial of patience in
waiting upon her, humoring her whims, listening to
her fretting and complaints, and trying to soothe
and entertain her. She was extremely irritable,
and seemed determined not to be pleased with any thing
they could do for her.

“Where is your mistress?” she asked at
length. “Pretty manners she has, to leave
a suffering guest to the sole care of servants.”

But they were already out of hearing. “I
was never so shamefully treated anywhere as I am here,”
muttered the angry lady, sinking back upon her pillows.
“I’ll leave this house to-morrow, if it
is a possible thing, and never darken its doors again.”